HPV genital warts
HPV genital warts are known medically as condylomata acuminata or veneral warts. These types of warts are the easiest recognized sign of a genital HPV virus. Many types of the virus can cause HPV genital warts but HPV types 6 and 11 account for 90% of most cases. Since most people who acquire HPV genital warts clear the infection so fast they never even realize they had it. They can pass on HPV genital warts without even being aware of it.
It’s important to note that the virus that causes HPV genital warts is not the same as the HPV infection that causes changes in the cells of cervix, which leads to cancer.
Over the counter medicines meant for other kinds of wart removal should NEVER be used on HPV genital warts. A doctor’s visit is necessary to remove these types of warts. Usually it will take only one or two visits to resolve the issue. The doctor might use an electric current to burn off the warts, freeze off the HPV genital warts, removing the warts with a knife, or using a light laser to destroy the warts.
The HPV genital wart virus can still linger even after the warts are treated. This means there’s a possibility the warts will return even after treatment. There isn’t enough scientific data to determine whether or not treating the HPV genital warts and removing them lowers the change of passing the virus onto a sex partner. If the untreated the HPV genital warts will either increase in size, increase in number, remain the same, or go away entirely. What is sure is that they do not turn into cancer.
The best way to protect against getting HPV genital warts are the same as for any STD or sexually transmitted disease. Wearing a condom reduces the risk of getting both HPV genital warts and cervical cancer, but they don’t always protect against HPV. Totally abstaining from all sexual contact or remaining monogamous with one partner will protect against getting the disease. In a relationship in which one partner has HPV genital warts a condom should be used.